Our View: ULM's online MBA is a great deal

Affordable Colleges Online recently ranked the University of Louisiana at Monroe's online MBA program as one of the best in the country, enhancing honors already received by the program.

ULM's program ranked 27th. The organization used research from the National Center for Education Statistics, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, the Carnegie Classification, and U.S. News and World Report, as well as accreditation information from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, in its determination.

ACO selected the top 30 schools based on very specific criteria. ACO equally considered faculty quality, student engagement, and admissions selectivity in compiling their ranked list. All selected universities are public schools, AACSB accredited and ranked within the top 70 of U.S. News's list of the best online MBA programs.

In October 2012, ULM's online MBA program also was named the "Best Buy" in the United States by the national review team at GetEducated.com.

In January, U.S. News & World Report's2013 Best Online Education Programs included the online MBA. ULM's program, which was established in 2010, was ranked 61st nationally out of 213 eligible programs and was the only online MBA program ranked in Louisiana.

It's certainly a testament to the dedication of Ron Berry, dean of the College of Business, and faculty.

Despite draconian cuts to higher education funding in Louisiana, and heavier faculty workloads brought about by expense cuts, this group of educators has settled for nothing less than excellence.

According to ACO's description, the ULM MBA program "includes courses in financial analysis, marketing strategy, and international business. Its competitive entrance qualifications ensure a challenging education with peers who are seasoned in business."

The combination of a quality program that is offered at a good value for the higher education dollar spent by consumers makes this program attractive not only in northeastern Louisiana, but around the world. Anyone with an Internet connection who meets the admittance criteria for ULM's graduate school can participate in this program.

Clearly, the workforce will continue to need highly trained business managers. An MBA helps those who earn the degree achieve higher salaries and participate at the executive level of companies.

To have such a nationally praised program available here in Monroe is not only a feather in ULM's cap, but also in our community's. Dean Berry and the College of Business faculty are to be applauded and encouraged for this effort.

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Our View: ULM's online MBA is a great deal

Affordable Colleges Online recently ranked the University of Louisiana at Monroe's online MBA program as one of the best in the country, enhancing honors already received by the program.